On our last day in Ko Phangan we went to the Backpackers Information Centre and inquired about diving on Ko Tao, Turtle Island. We got a deal on a 4 day Open Water Diver course with Crystal Diving Resort for a price of 9800bt which was really good value and included accommodation in a fan room (which nearly killed me!) The boat ride to Ko Tao takes a little longer as the Island is further out in the bay. Ko Tao is the smallest of the three islands, and the most laid back. There are about 50 diving companies on Ko Tao which makes it the premier diving centre in SEA.

Crystal Diving Resort is a great place to learn to dive, the atmosphere is really friendly and everything seems to run efficiently. http://www.crystaldive.com/ is the link

. Safety is the number one concern during dives, and second to that, having fun!

Despite the early morning for the boat ride, we chose to start our course that afternoon. The first part of the course was classroom based. Our instructor, Luca, is dead on and explained everything clearly. After some tests we disbanded for the day. Bryan and I took some time to explore Mae Hat before turning in for the evening.

On our second day we learnt basic diving practise in the resort swimming pool and did some more classroom work. The stuff in the pool was challenging but fun. I could not get over how heavy the tank was at the beginning but of course, as soon as you get in the water it becomes weightless.

We ended up completing nine dives as we decided to complete the advanced open water course too... With the OW we were allowed to dive to 18m, but with the AOW we can now go to 30m. We have absolutely fallen in love with diving. It is another world below the sea. It was scary at first, but once you know what to do in most situations, it's a matter of staying in control. We also did the Enriched Air Supply course as part of the AOW. Meaning we can dive for longer now too

We had great fun with our "team Gucci", ourselves and two nice Scots, J&H. Luca was such a nice guy and great instructor! We even went on a night dive as we knew we were in good hands!

All in all we think we have found something we love and which (money depending) we would like to pursue. The plan is to save a bit in Oz and return next year to become Divemasters (pros) so we can then work in dive resorts... This could be subject to change, but who knows eh?! Also now we are really looking forward to diving opportunities in Oz!

Hi Siobhan, ha, we are really enjoying ourselves alright! Will be heading to Oz next week so that'll be a change! Ah sure, you'll just have to save up and go on your own trip, lots of families are doing the travelling thing. :-)